Energy Saving Tips

A Reminder, and Two Great Energy-Saving Tips

The Reminder.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing out the use of R-22 Freon. The phase-out began in 2010. R-22 is being phased out because of its ozone depletion characteristics. Taking its place will be new, more environmentally-friendly refrigerants, R-410a and R-422.

What this means to you:

• R-22 Freon will not be produced after 2020. The cost of the remaining supply at that time will increase dramatically.
• The cost to service air conditioning units using R-22 will increase nationwide due to the increasing cost of the remaining Freon.
• Because of this increase, and because of discontinuance of R-22, air conditioners that use this Freon will need to be replaced.

Libby Twins believes in protecting its customers by providing information of such upcoming events. The change from R-22 will be better for our environment. We suggest our customers begin planning for this change and talk to a Libby Twins representative if you have questions or concerns.

We know greater efficiency equals greater savings. The Carrier products we carry work hard to save you money on your heating and cooling bills by using less energy. Here are some things to think about:

1. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. We have a wide range of furnaces that efficiently and comfortably heat things up with the weather gets cold.

2. Your heating and cooling system’s components should have the highest possible energy efficiency ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficient the product, and the lower your energy usage can be. Make sure your components meet the following minimums:

3. The EPA developed the Energy Star program to reduce the nation’s energy consumption. Choosing products for your home that bear the Energy Star logo is an important step to consuming less energy. Qualified products are available in multiple categories including heating and cooling equipment, appliances, home electronics and lighting.

Have one of our technicians come out to your home and perform a load calculation. This will help us be able to recommend products with the right capacity for your home and help you find the best system to meet your comfort needs.

The Tips

1. Not Too Big, Not Too Small. Choose the Just-Right System for You.

Homes that are heated and cooled by units that are too big, too small or just plain mismatched, miss out on quality performance and efficiency. Here are some tips to make sure you have found the system that fits your home and climate:

It all starts with a matched system which refers to components that are designed to work together to provide greater efficiency, reliability and comfort. Matched systems can be “split” (separate units placed inside and outside the home) or “packaged” (one single unit which houses all components in a single cabinet, placed outside the home).

You might also consider a hybrid system. It’s not science fiction, but it’s still pretty impressive. Hybrid systems bring together two different fuel sources, such as a gas or oil furnace and an electric heat pump, for more efficient heating and cooling. A hybrid system is calibrated to automatically switch between the furnace and heat pump depending upon which offers the most economical power at any given time. The cost savings can be impressive.

2. Thermostats: The Simple Change that Saves.

You don’t have to start over with your home’s HVAC system to consume less energy and enjoy a more comfortable home. The easiest fix of all is a new, programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats, also known as programmable controls, can have a significant impact not only on your home’s energy consumption, but it can also have a nice impact on you. It’s hands-free comfort and it allows you to enjoy your home without running to the control every time the weather outside changes. During winter months, you can save as much as 3 percent* of heating costs for each degree the thermostat is lowered. In the summer, cooling costs are cut up to 6 percent* for each degree you raise the thermostat.

A programmable control will automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day ensuring greater energy efficiency and enhanced comfort. Some control models even allow homeowners to preprogram desired temperatures for specific times of the day or week. You can save costs by easily adjusting the heating and cooling settings for times when you are waking up, leaving for work, sleeping or going on vacation.

*Potential energy savings may vary depending on your lifestyle, system settings, equipment maintenance, local climate, home construction and installation of equipment and duct system. To find out how much your can save on energy costs in your area, ask Libby Twins for details. To find out more information on HVAC, green energy, energy savings and more, click on the resource links below: